Private Roots and Crowns

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Junko Ike

The shuttle cut through the clouds with silent grace, its polished hull catching sunlight as the sea below glittered like a bed of emeralds and sapphires. Islands dotted the vast blue, their jagged cliffs softened by ribbons of mist and swathes of green, each one a little world of its own. But there, nestled among them, was a true jewel.

Junko Ike’s island emerged like something out of legend. Pale beaches curled around the edges of the land like painted strokes, leading to a high bluff crowned by a palace that shimmered gold in the midday light. Pale stone, dark wood, sweeping roofs—the architecture was distinctly Atrisian, yet it radiated something personal, intimate, as if the very land breathed tradition and quiet reverence.

Inside the shuttle, Eve sat quietly beside Tigris, her silver eye wide with wonder. She leaned toward the window, letting her fingers gently brush the edge of the transparisteel, tracing the outline of the approaching island in the distance.

At her feet, Isari stretched out with an elegant yawn, silver eyes reflecting the shimmer of the sea far below. The fox had curled into a sleepy ball during the flight, but even now, her ears twitched faintly as if sensing Eve’s quiet awe.

"It’s beautiful," she whispered, more to herself than to anyone else.

The light filtering through the viewport caught in her hair, and in her lap, her other hand instinctively reached for Tigris’ and gave it a gentle squeeze. She didn’t speak for a moment. Just sat there in stillness, letting the awe wash over her, but more than that, the pride.

She turned to look at Tigris then, her gaze soft.

Proud. That’s what she felt. Fiercely, quietly proud. For all the strength Tigris had shown… and for this. For finding home, and returning to it. Eve smiled.

"I’m so excited to see everything of your home," she said quietly, thumb brushing over Tigris’ knuckles. "And I'm so proud of you."

She meant it. All of it. This wasn’t just a visit—it was something sacred. Something woven between roots and love and rediscovery.

And she would be by Tigris' side through all of it.

Isari let out a small, content huff at her feet, as if in agreement as Eve looked back out the window.

"Looks like we're coming in."

 

[Junko Ike]

Everest Vale Tigris Aphra

The islands were something beautifully crafted. The first of them to be seen presenting what looked like the most beautiful. The architecture of the palace gleaming in the light as it left a hanger area opened. Dozens of attending ladies and biots were there lined up. The jade robed handmaiden remaining as her face was obscured with the pale skin of her jaw just showing a smile. Her hands coming out after the pair were able to depart their vessel. "Welcome." Her voice remaining there for a moment and she pulled the hood of the robe back as she spoke. "I am Qi Ling and welcome to well... my palace."

She said it with a smile on her face though as she came forward looking at the pair of them. "I know, I know you followed the direction well enough but for security princess Junko's palace is well hidden." She said it and walked to join them as she looked over motioning with her head. One finger coming up with her hand to adjust the glasses while she was walking towards the farside of the hanger and the jade crystal glass changed color to show the larger island. "From orbit it looks a lot smaller, a trick of the shielding and all of the islands around it." Her finger came up as she indicated spaced islands showing some palaces, some fortresses and wrapping around like a circle.

"The princess has made an island for all of us... and Xifang." She saaid it more jokingly but was serious enough... Tigris she knew had met the large tiger. "He sometimes comes out but largely it is droids taking care of him and his pride of females and children that are there. Still they protect one of the shield generators and cloaking devices like the rest of us." Saying it and leading the way as the wall went back to being a wall the Atrisian handmaiden started walking towards an exterior lift as the scent of salt air came.. the sounds of the waves and even more people were all around. The palaces design showing the far side of the island itself was much smaller then the cloaking device presented.

"We'll head over. The town is another layer of defensive measures for it as well as the waters themselves. There are hydrostatic shields about two kilometers off of the islands going down to the sea floor. To keep out the larger predators and make the water safer for fisheries which work to breed and clone as needed plenty of fish for food. It also keeps them away from the lower levels of the islands. The tunnels and pathways serve for the underground sections housing research, droids and support. It double sin case of attack to offer back up supplies as well as means to protect and house the surrounding region if needed."

Qi went down with the lift itself as the small gate opened onto the courtyard. "There is a surprise though, Lady Miyoung Iwata is practicing for the competitions in the grand arena on Okuninushi Isle." She said it with a smile though while walking. "It is hosted every few years, participants from all over the Commonwealth come and some beyond even that. For a chance to show their skills in a number of events and there is of course the fights." She said it and looked up at a pillar at Miyoung who was balancing on her hands at the sides. Her feet hanging forward over her head while she held with one foot a Kyūdō class lightbow.

The dark honey skinned handmaiden remained there for a moment as she was looking up and the sun reflected off of her skin while she was moving her toes and gripping the bow as well as the firing mechanism of it. Her hands holding the sides of the pillar as they were able to remain steady. "Oh she loves doing this." She said it as the handmaiden remained there and her feet were moving aabove her head... staying steady for the moment and the barely heard sound was coming. The Kabaneri MK. V coming as Qi pointed to it coming at them. The handmaiden watching as it kicked in its engines with its speed accelerating.

Then the shot rang with a whistle and momentary click in the quiet courtyard. The shot slamming into the shield of the fighter and it pulled up as droids were putting views from different angles of the shot and impact as well as it being able to follow it. Qi was grinning though. "Might also be good for combat and target training aside from just looking showy." Miyoung remained there as some others were clapping and she moved... rotating herself without looking down and remaining steady as she fired several shots at different targets at different ranges and several were moving through the air to greater and greater cheers.

Qi motioned with her hands as Miyoung balanced for a moment and waved towards. "Lady Aphra." She didn't leave the platform just remained there and Qi looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Show off." She put her hands in front of herself and was walking as the large doors in the courtyard opened revealing an energy bridge over the water. The larger island coming more into view as the perspective changed allowing it to become larger as she walked down the center of the bridge. The sounds of animals, schools of fish below them and more while the sheer cliffs were carved into with an archway leading from the area of the bridge.

The archways showing they were put between the stone of the pathway and it was paved. The polished marble being cleaned by droids as looking back at the island she pointed towards the shimmering of the shield. "Designed to allow water and air to pass through with filters cleaning it. For protection each island for the handmaidens." She was walking and the sounds of the island changed little by little.. the animals were around and the lush jungle like area. The pathway of arches coming out into a town where the people were moving. Stone streets and sidewalks lined with stalls for food, clothing, crafts and other things.

Fruit trees growing with rings around them filled with water that circulated. Some pieces falling off into the water that took it down towards a collection basin. Qi grinned from ear to ear though while she was walking and the panoramic view was looking out on the ocean and two islands. Acting almost like lighthouses and guides to a harbor. "The Lady Barca controls the fortress citadel. Her mandalorian clan serves as guaards and have come to enjoy the benefits of having a permanent home within the Commonwealth. The citadel of the three is for the sisters and they serve as wards of Princess Junko."

 

[Tigris Aphra]

Outfit: Outfit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Echo Stone
Tag: Junko Ike Everest Vale

Tigris shifted to stand next to Everest, both enjoying the view from the shuttle viewport as they flew over the Atrisian landscape from the city to their destination. They could have taken an airship, which was an experience in itself, but the couple were travelling as special guests, to a place very secure.

The tattooed girl slipped her arm around her fiance's shoulder, pulling her closer, her gaze dropping to the faithful fox curled up by the Echani's feet. Tigris had been exited to show her true homeworld to Eve. They had explored the capitol, Tigris showing Everest all the placed Princess Ike had shown her on her first visit. It was there that her Atrisian heritage had been confirmed, and that she was of the blood of House Aphra.

Eve's encouraging words brought a soft smile to Tigris' lips, before they were pressed to the Echani's forehead affectionately.

The shuttle skimmed across the sea as they approached the islands, each appearing slightly different but all magnificent. They drew to the closest, upon which stood a beautiful palace. "Wait until you meet her." Tigris said with thinly veiled excitement, referring to Junko Ike.

The shuttle entered the open docking bay into the gleaming palace. To Tigris surprise, a myriad of women and Atrisian biots awaited to greet them. Before them all stood one of the princess' handmaidens. Tigirs was unsure if she knew the waiting handmaiden, the woman's face was hidden in the hood of her robe.

Tigris lead Eve from the shuttle, Isari at their heels, having assured the Echani that pets were welcomed. Junko had the largest pet around! The paused before the handmaiden. The woman welcomed them, then lowered her hood. Yes, Tigris remembered Qi. She bowed her head in greeting. "Hello again, Lady Ling. This is Everest Vale." Tigris introduced Eve, before Qi continued.

So, it seemed the beautiul island and palace didn't belong to the princess, but to Qi Li, as each of the others belonged to a handmaiden, and the giant Atrisian Tiger. When the glass across the docking bay turned from opaque to transparent, the truth about the islands was revealed. There was a larger island among the others. Junko's island.

Tigris squeezed Eve's hand with excitement.

They accompanied the handmaiden, who was like Princess Ike, in that she offered to share much information about the islands and their defenses. The Atrisians were proud of their acheivements, and rightly so. In between Qi's comments, Tigris leaned over to Eve. "Qi is Junko's padawan." She added, giving some info of her own to her fiance.

Down in the courtyard, they were greeted by a very interesting sight. Miyoung was standing on her hands, naked, a bow between her feet. Tigris didn't seem terribly shocked, but amused. Her grin widened as she watched the woman expertly fire the bow over and over. While Tigris had seen that form of archery in her Atrisian studies, she had never seen it in person.

When Miyoung greeted Tigris, the Aphra waved in reply. "Hi Lady Iwata!" Tigris turned and smirked at Eve, hoping it all wasn't too much for the Echani.

They continued to follow Qi, until the trio passed out of the courtyard to the energy bridge. Tigris had not let go of Everest's hand the entire time. Ahead, they could finally see the princess's island in full. It was gorgeous. Qi guded hem over the bridge. They strolled through the town. Like all of Atrisia, it was spotless and bountiful. They looked out over the sea to the two small islands Qi pointed out. Tigris was surprised to hear that a Mandalorian clan dwelt there as protectors.

"Lady Ling, does this town have a name?" She asked as they passed through.

 

[Everest Vale]

Outfit: Summer Fit
Equipment: Lightsaber, Bracelet, Earrings, Seer Stone, Wayfinder's Flare, Engagement Ring
Companion: Isari
Tag: Tigris Aphra Junko Ike

As Qi lowered her hood and spoke, Eve gave her a small, polite bow, fingers clasped in front of her.

"Hello, Lady Ling," she said softly, her voice edged with shyness but warm. "It’s an honour to meet you."

She fell into step beside Tigris as they followed Qi through the palace and out into the lift. Each new sight stole Eve’s breath a little more, the jade glass shifting to reveal the islands. The deep blue of the ocean far below. The shimmer of the shield like a living curtain of Light. She clutched Tigris’ hand a little tighter, silver eye wide.

Then they stepped into the courtyard, just in time to see Lady Iwata balanced upside down, completely unclothed, firing arrows with perfect control.

Eve froze.

Her spine went a little stiff, cheeks flooding with colour. She blinked, once, twice, unable to look away. It was so graceful. So skilled. And so... exposed.

"I—" She cleared her throat, voice catching in her chest. "She’s… She has great skill."

When Miyoung waved at Tigris, Eve managed a quick, respectful nod of greeting, though her gaze darted anywhere but directly at the handmaiden’s bare form.

As they continued into the town, Eve let out a soft, shaky laugh under her breath. The world around them was a riot of colour and sound. The tang of salt air, the rich scent of flowers, the glint of sunlight off marble streets and flowing water. Isari trotted at her heels, occasionally darting forward to sniff at fruit stalls or peer at the glimmering fish in the channels running along the walkways.

Eve tried to take everything in at once — the people, the vibrant stalls, the fruit trees shedding petals into the gentle currents — but it was almost too much. She felt breathless, like the world had blossomed open all around her. She leaned closer to Tigris, lowering her voice as they wove through the crowd.

"This is all so wonderful… and beautiful," she murmured, her eyes shining as she watched a pair of vendors hang bright lanterns over a stall. "I didn’t realise it would feel so... alive."

She gave Tigris a quick, self-conscious smile, still slightly flushed from Lady Iwata’s earlier performance.

"And I think… I'm not sure I'll look at a bow and arrow in quite the same way again."